Updates

November 1, 2023 Many words have been published about the U.S. economy plowing through conventional expectations amid the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) campaign to lower inflation by raising interest rates. Through October, this theme would continue as headline economic data told the tale of an ultra-resilient U.S. economy, even as volatility churned financial markets. Among those…

October 1, 2023 Throughout the run of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) inflation-fighting, rate-raising program, the equity market has shown uncommon enthusiasm supported by a growing economy, a strong labor market and healthy consumer spending. Contrary to the expected way of these things, inflation continued to cool even as the economy and the markets remained hot.…

September 1, 2023 A steady stream of news drained enthusiasm from the equities markets through most of August, snapping a five-month growth streak at a time of the year known for cool market performance despite the swelter of its dog days. Among that news: A tick in the wrong direction of a key measurement ignited…

August 1, 2023 Have the steady hand of the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the resilience of the U.S. economy created the much-hoped-for “soft landing” at the bottom of the inflation crisis? Time will tell – even as it declines, inflation remains above target levels – but the market seems willing to give the benefit of…

July 1, 2023 The bear may have entered hibernation in June, but can we now count a bona fide bull? That may be overselling it. Equities capped off a remarkable first half of the year by continuing to gain value even as the Federal Reserve (Fed) signaled that its inflation-fighting program could yield two more…

June 1, 2023 Though the markets remained optimistic about the chance for a bipartisan deal on extending the federal debt limit, May was nonetheless a time of waiting and seeing, extending a streak of equity market choppiness into a second month. Affirmation came during the Memorial Day weekend with the White House and House leadership…

May 1, 2023 Though equities have proven resilient, more of the long-expected effects of the Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) rapid interest rate-raising policy arrived in April. “After nearly 500 basis points of tightening, cracks in the labor market and economy are starting to show,” said Raymond James Chief Investment Officer Larry Adam. “This combination of…

ESTATE & GIVING   A compelling plan to make a genuine impact on the world has a variety of components. A growing number of families are thinking “big picture” when it comes to both their financial and philanthropic planning. Through community support projects and initiatives, philanthropic endeavors have the power to promote well-being and make…